the very thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very thing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to emphasize that something is exactly what you are looking for, or that it is the best or only solution to a problem. For example, "I searched everywhere for the missing document – and then I remembered the very thing was in my briefcase all along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The very thing I detest.

Independent

Technology can't replace the very thing that makes us human.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So the very thing that makes it conceptually ugly is the very thing that makes it efficient.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The very thing he and advocates warned about had occurred.

The New York Times - Tech

"And that's the very thing that can help us".

The New York Times

It would validate the very thing that he did".

The New York Times

The very thing these people came for is disappearing".

The New York Times

"The very thing they're marching against, they're supporting".

The New York Times

Against the very thing which I wanted to achieve.

The Guardian

The very thing that threatens our connection to our partners can bring us closer together.

University of California, Berkeley

Can the very thing believed to cause osteoarthritis (overuse) actually help you "beat" it?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "the very thing" when you want to draw attention to a specific element or detail, making it the focal point of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the very thing" in simple sentences where a more direct wording would be clearer and more effective. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very thing" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It emphasizes a particular aspect or element, drawing attention to its significance. As supported by Ludwig, it is often used to highlight irony or unexpected connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very thing" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a specific aspect or element, often highlighting irony or paradox. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. While it is a valuable tool for emphasizing specific details, it's crucial to avoid overuse in simple sentences, as this can detract from clarity. Alternatives like "the exact item" or "precisely that" can be considered to avoid repetition and ensure precise communication. Recognizing its function, purpose, and register allows writers to effectively incorporate "the very thing" into their writing, maximizing its impact while avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the exact item

Focuses on precision and identification of a specific object.

the identical object

Highlights sameness and lack of difference.

precisely that

Emphasizes agreement or confirmation of a statement.

that particular detail

Draws attention to a specific element within a larger context.

specifically that

Adds emphasis on a particular point or action.

the very essence

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of something.

that one element

Highlights a single component as crucial.

the crux of the matter

Points to the most important aspect of an issue.

the heart of it

Indicates the central or core aspect of a subject.

the gist of it

Refers to the main point or overall idea.

FAQs

How can I use "the very thing" in a sentence?

Use "the very thing" to emphasize a specific aspect or element, such as "That inhibits innovation, "the very thing" that patent law is supposed to encourage".

What are some alternatives to "the very thing"?

Alternatives include "the exact item", "precisely that", or "the identical object", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that very thing" instead of "the very thing"?

While "the very thing" is more common and often preferred for its emphasis, "that very thing" can also be correct depending on context. Consider which sounds more natural in your specific sentence.

What is the difference between "the very thing" and "the main thing"?

"The very thing" emphasizes a specific element, while "the main thing" refers to the most important aspect overall. "The very thing" often highlights irony or a specific detail, whereas "the main thing" points to the core issue.